2015 NBA Draft: New York Knicks’ Top 5 Targets

Feb 14, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward

(15) dribbles the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks forward

(24) in the first half at Rupp Arena. The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 77-43. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky Wildcats

NBA Comparison: Tyson Chandler, Dallas Mavericks

Position: Center

Age: 21

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 240 pounds, 7’2″

2014-15 Slash Line: .607/.000/.605

2014-15 Season Averages: 25.2 MPG, 9.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.1 ORPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.4 SPG

The only way Willie Cauley-Stein of the Kentucky Wildcats becomes a legitimate option is if the New York Knicks somehow drop out of the Top 4. Cauley-Stein is No. 8 on my draft board and likely won’t crack the Top 5 based off of his age alone.

If Cauley-Stein’s upside can be compared to any NBA player, however, it’d be the last Knicks player to win Defensive Player of the Year: Tyson Chandler.

Cauley-Stein is a dynamic defensive player who can serve as a legitimate anchor in the paint, in transition and against the pick-and-roll. He’s comfortable defending the perimeter and makes an impact that ranges beyond statistics.

Whether he’s blocking shots and racking up steals or providing a disruptive soft hedge, Cauley-Stein is, arguably, the most NBA-ready defensive big man in this draft class.

The reason Cauley-Stein is an honorable mention and not a Top 5 option is his lack of offensive polish. After three seasons at Kentucky, he still doesn’t have a post game, but he is developing a more consistent mid-range jumper, which is vital in the Triangle Offense.

If New York unexpectedly begins to win games, however, Cauley-Stein could enter the realm of possibility.